The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) hosted its annual dinner and, for the first time, an Industrial Expo & Sustainability Conference, marking a landmark event for the country’s industrial community. The evening also featured a fashion show highlighting products manufactured by KATI members.
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah attended as chief guests, alongside KATI Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer, President Junaid Naqi, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Ejaz Ahmed, Vice President Tariq Hussain, former presidents, committee chairmen, and a large number of distinguished personalities from the business community.
Governor Tessori emphasized the urgent need for business-friendly policies, recalling the late S.M. Muneer as a guiding light for the industrial sector. Sharing insights from his recent visit to China, he noted that Chinese industries receive land free of cost, interest-free loans, and up to 51% capital support for factory setups. “Pakistan must adopt similar models if we are to achieve real economic progress,” he said.
The governor stressed that development cannot rely solely on agreements and ceremonial gatherings but requires practical steps and hard work. While acknowledging the efforts of the federal and military leadership, he cautioned that high electricity tariffs and rising production costs remain major hurdles. By way of comparison, he explained that when local manufacturing costs reach the equivalent of $105, it becomes impossible to compete in global markets priced at $100. Tessori assured the business community that the Governor House doors remain open, adding that he is engaging with the federal government and the State Bank to pursue reforms aimed at fostering business-friendly policies.
Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the development of Sindh, particularly Karachi. Highlighting infrastructure challenges, he said recent floods damaged Shahrah-e-Bhutto, but the Sindh government is actively rehabilitating it, along with expansion works on the Korangi Causeway and Jam Sadiq Bridge. He emphasized that continuous consultation with the business community remains central to government decision-making.
CM also underlined the urgency of climate adaptation, noting that Sindh is among the region’s most vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. “Development without sustainability is not viable,” he said. He highlighted the Thar Coal project as a transformative step in addressing the energy crisis, providing cheaper, renewable power to the national grid. He also urged investment in solar mini-grids, equitable water distribution, and modern irrigation systems such as drip irrigation to safeguard agriculture and industry, while calling for urgent protection of the Indus Delta and local ecosystems. He added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has directed maximum support for industry and the business community to steer Pakistan’s economy out of crisis.
KATI Patron-in-Chief S.M. Tanveer said the business community has always stood by the nation during difficult times and is working with the government to reduce production costs and stabilize the economy.
KATI President Junaid Naqi outlined the association’s vision for 2025, with a focus on investment, technology promotion, and environmentally friendly industrial practices. He argued that industrialization is the only way to break free from debt traps and provide immediate relief to the government. “Without addressing Karachi’s needs, Pakistan cannot progress,” he said, urging the government to expand the tax net and legislate through consultation to ease pressure on taxpayers.
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya highlighted the role of the business community in achieving sustainable development. “By adhering to sustainable principles, we can strengthen the economy while securing a better future for coming generations. But for this, the government must provide a supportive environment so the economic cycle continues to move forward,” he stressed.
